By: Gary C. Hampton Some say we live in terrible times and suggest we cannot win souls in such an environment. We can learn some valuable lessons from the establishment of the Corinthian church in the midst of a very wicked city. Paul was a preacher so dedicated to proclaiming the truth that he supported himself through making tents beside a husband and wife team named Aquila and Priscilla. The tents were made out of either leather or goat hair cloth (Acts 18:1–3). He did not insist on his right to be supported in the preaching of the Gospel because he did not want to hinder anyone’s obedience (1 Corinthians 9:11–12; 2 Corinthians 11:9). Paul reasoned publicly with the Jews and Greeks who came to the synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 18:4). He also taught in the house of a man named Justus (Acts 18:6–7). Paul followed the same course in Ephesus. He reminded the Ephesian elders that he did not hold back anything helpful to them, “but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20 NKJV). Paul’s preaching centered around the fact that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:5). He reminded the sanctified in Corinth of the Gospel he preached. “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians

By: Gary Hampton True worship stirs emotions. A song may touch our heart, resulting in tears of joy. A prayer may bring forth praise and thanksgiving. A Bible reading or a sermon may yield sorrow over sin and a desire to be cleansed. Isaiah demonstrated the power of his worship experience in feeling awe in the presence of God (Isaiah 6:1–4). Remember, “The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20 NKJV). One of Israel’s singers declared, “O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!” (Psalm 8:1). Immediately after Isaiah saw the glory of God, he exclaimed, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). His sinfulness was magnified by God’s purity, to which he referred when he described the Almighty as “the Holy One of Israel” 29 times, as opposed to 6 times in the rest of the Bible. David’s response to his sin is expressed in Psalm 51:1–4. Isaiah felt the release for forgiveness of his sins (Isaiah 6:6–7). The Ethiopian nobleman went on his way rejoicing after he found forgiveness in the waters of baptism (Acts 8:39). The Philippian jailor felt a similar joy after he and his household were baptized (Acts 16:33–34). The

By: Gary Hampton Jesus prayed an anguished prayer on the cross. “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Matthew 27:46 NKJV). His prayer displayed faith in God. Its vocalization was a fulfillment of Psalm 22:1. Yet, He asked a haunting question that seems almost to be an accusation against the Father. Wayne Jackson explained, “It frequently is the case in Hebrew idiom that the active voice of a verb is used in the passive sense (i.e., what God is said to do, he merely permits to be done)” (NT Commentary 71–72). Why did Jesus not understand that His Father could not save Him and at the same time provide a means of salvation for lost mankind? When He gave up Heaven to come to earth, He limited Himself (Philippians 2:7; Matthew 8:10; Mark 6:6). Had He been in Heaven, He would have known precisely why His Father could not save Him. He walked the earth as a man (Hebrews 2:17–18). Jesus also prayed a prayer of commitment on the cross. He had fulfilled everything the prophets of old wrote regarding Him and prayed a simple prayer. “It is finished” (John 19:28–30). He also said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit’” (Luke 23:46). He then died. Our Lord was obviously not a materialist, believing there is only the material world with no spirit world. He knew the body

By: Gary C. Hampton Jesus’ words to the rich young ruler seemingly led Peter to comment that he and the rest of the twelve had left all to follow Christ and wondered what reward they would receive. Jesus’ immediate response was to speak of the time of the new birth or regeneration, when He would be on His throne. He said the twelve would also rule at that time over the twelve tribes—spiritual Israel (Matthew 19:23–30). They reigned with Christ by reporting His will to men. All who sacrifice for Jesus will be rewarded (Matthew 19:23–20:16). A vineyard owner went to find workers at the start of a day. They were hired for one coin. More men were hired at nine, noon, three and five. Each of these latter went, trusting the owner to give them a fair wage. Laborers were repeatedly sought because the work was ongoing, just like that of the kingdom. Workers were even hired at the eleventh hour. Payment had to be made at day’s end (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:15). Workers lined up with last hired first and the first hired last. No complaint was heard from those who trusted the master to pay a fair price. Each received a day’s wage for less than a day’s work. Those who worked the whole day were upset after receiving only that for which they bargained, feeling they deserved more. None were justified in complaining since the lord’s money was his to dispense as he pleased. Some seemed

Jesus used the parable of a vineyard to show why publicans and harlots would enter the kingdom before the religious leaders. The kingdom was compared to a vineyard a landowner planted and completely equipped. He then leased the land to some vinedressers who agreed to pay the landowner out of its fruit. The owner sent servants to collect rent at harvest time. The vinedressers beat, stoned and killed the multiplied numbers of servants. He thought they would respect his son, but the wicked vinedressers plotted against the son in hopes of getting his inheritance (John 11:47–50). They then cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Jesus asked, “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” Some listeners correctly judged the owner would destroy those men and lease the vineyard to others who would honor their agreement. Others, perhaps recognizing the full import of such a conclusion, said “Certainly not!” (Matthew 21:33–46; Luke 20:16). The Jews rejected a multitude of God’s messengers (1 Kings 18:13; 22:24–27; Matthew 14:3–12; Hebrews 11:35–38). Jesus is God’s last spokesman to sinful man (Hebrews 1:12; 2:13). The Father asked Him to take the form of a servant so He could be sent (Philippians 2:5–8). He served as the final messenger and the only fully acceptable sacrifice. Rejecting Him left them to look forward to the Judgment with fear (Hebrews 10:26–31). Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22–23, telling the religious leaders the kingdom of God would be taken from them

Prayer is the avenue God has given us to take things before His throne. The power of that statement causes faithful Christians to desire to make their prayers as effective as possible. Effective prayer begins with the realization that it is directed to God (Matthew 6:5–8; 7:7–11). It is made when one approaches the Father through His Son. “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34 NKJV; Hebrews 4:14–16; 9:24; 1 John 5:14–15). Sin must be put away by one desiring to offer an effective prayer (Psalm 34:15–16; 66:18; Proverbs 15:29; 1 John 1:9). Setting aside sin also necessitates setting aside the sins others may have committed against the praying one. He must forgive before asking (Matthew 6:14–15; Mark 11:25–26; Colossians 3:13). God is holy and cannot fellowship the unholy (1 Peter 1:15–16). Prayer is only useful if one believes God can answer (James 1:5–7; Ephesians 3:20; Mark 11:24; Isaiah 64:4). God will only answer those who set themselves aside. James declared, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3; Matthew 6:19–21). Jesus’ parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector demonstrates this point (Luke 18:9–14). The hardest part of effective prayer may be that it must be practiced persistently. Jesus and Paul both stressed this important element (Luke 18:1–8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 1:9; Philippians 1:3–4). Those of us wanting to

Most Bible students know idolatry is condemned under the Law of Moses (Exodus 20:3–5). Paul said idolatry is ignorant worship (Acts 17:29–31). The foolishness of it is seen in the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, as well as in the prophecy of Isaiah (1 Kings 18:20–40; Isaiah 40:9–20). Christians should run from it because it is a work of the flesh (1 Corinthians 10:14; Galatians 5:20). It is depicted as spiritual adultery (Hosea 1:2). We easily recognize idolatry is wrong but may not see how it fits in our world until we notice that it is putting anything ahead of God. One of those things might be self. Paul warned perilous times would arise partly because of self-lovers (2 Timothy 3:1–2). I need to tear down the self-idol and take up my cross daily (Luke 9:23). God now owns me because He bought me with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). I need to put myself aside and care for the needs of my mate (1 Corinthians 7:3–4). Wives will submit to their husbands, and husbands will love their wives like Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:22, 25) if we set aside self. I need to tear down the idol of things and money. The love of money leads to great evil (1 Timothy 6:9–10). It cost the rich young ruler a great opportunity to receive eternal life (Matthew 19:16–26). Covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). The wise man stated, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great

Jesus is more than a baby in a manger. His very name means “Savior.” He understood that role from the time He left Heaven. After all, He is eternal. He told the Jews, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58 NKJV). John described Him in the opening words of his record of the life of our Lord. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1–2). John and the writer of the letter to the Hebrew Christians said He was the Creator (John 1:3; Hebrews 1:1–3). Jesus knows me. I am not accurate if I say, “No one knows how I feel.” The Lord “had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man” (John 2:25). Some scribes were thinking Jesus was blaspheming when He told the paralytic his sins were forgiven. Jesus asked, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk?’” (Mark 2:1–12). The Lord knows my thoughts. Jesus loves me. His love is shown in what He did for me and everyone else. He proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” He also declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 15:13; 10:11). The Savior gives

We are surrounded by opportunities to tell the good news of God’s plan of salvation: neighbors, friends, coworkers, fellow students or just someone showing obvious signs of despair. Each of us needs to be driven to see those open doors and speak a good word for Jesus. People need to hear that their salvation is a part of God’s plan. Jesus’ death on the cross, in which He shed His blood, was in the mind of God before He laid the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18–21; Ephesians 3:8–11). Calvary was no surprise to the Father; it was part of His plan to save (Acts 2:23). Jesus was given all authority (1 Corinthians 15:27a). He commanded His followers to teach all nations while they were going. Teaching would result in some becoming disciples of Christ through baptism (Matthew 28:18–20). Individuals are given the choice to yield to Christ’s authority now or before God’s judgment bar (Philippians 2:9–11). We must tell because everyone needs to hear. Jesus’ marching orders to His followers are set forth in Matthew, as we have seen, as well as in Mark 16:15–16 and Luke 24:46–47. Luke gave one more account of it when he told Theophilus a portion of the Master’s parting words (Acts 1:8). The message of salvation is the means of God uniting the world. Jews and Gentiles become part of one body when they obey His commands (Ephesians 2:13–16). The Lord anticipated that unity when He said, “And other sheep I have which

Accidents happen, as most have heard. When the thing that is broken or hurt is another human being, we may urgently seek a first aid kit. The things we do to the physically injured are just as necessary for the spiritually wounded. The first step is to clean the hate out of the wound (Colossians 3:8). Paul instructed the Christians at Rome to put aside wrath, remembering, “It is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19–21 NKJV). The cleansed wound often needs a salve applied to it. God’s people need to apply the salve of love, even for their enemies (Matthew 5:44–45). John told his children in the faith, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God for God is love” (1 John 4:7–8). Our love is a response to the great love displayed by our Father who sent His Son to die for people without strength (Romans 5:6–8). The injured might take an aspirin to relieve the pain. God’s children need to take an eternal view to relieve their pain. Paul told the brethren at Corinth, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of

A few days ago, we experienced a super blue moon. It was the second full moon of this month, and it was especially bright. It is rare and beautiful to behold. Teresa and I enjoyed seeing the earth lit up that night! In the spiritual realm, light comes from God’s Word. The singer of Israel said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV). Isaiah chided the people of God because they listened to false gods and failed to have the light of God in them (Isaiah 8:19–20). Paul wrote, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). The light of God’s Word calls for right conduct. John told his children in the faith that they had to walk in the light to have fellowship with God (1 John 1:5–6). Paul wanted the saints to realize light and darkness do not mix (2 Corinthians 6:14). Since light and darkness do not coexist, the apostle issued an appeal. “Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty’” (2 Corinthians 6:17–18). There are a number of good things that come

God heard the groaning of His people and remembered His promise to deliver them. “Remembered” is not in the human sense of the word. He had told Abraham that his descendants would be held in bondage and oppressed for four hundred years (Exodus 2:23–25; Acts 7:6). The Egyptians dealt with the Israelites in a harsh manner, and it certainly seemed to some of them that God had forgotten them. The Almighty was actually preparing a leader for His people in the land of Midian, a now eighty-year-old Moses. Moses was tending the flocks of his wife’s family in the area around Horeb. That name “is not restricted to one single mountain but applies to the central group of mountains in the southern part of the peninsula” (Keil and Delitzsch). Moses was tending the flocks “to the back of the desert,” which Cook indicates would be to the west side, since the Hebrews viewed the east as being before a man (Exodus 3:1). The Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the middle of a burning bush that was not consumed with fire. Moses turned aside to see this amazing sight. God spoke to him out of the bush, or as Stephen says, “the voice of the Lord came to him” (Exodus 3:2–4; Acts 7:30–32). He required Moses to show reverence by taking off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. The presence of the Lord made the ground holy. God identified Himself as “the God of Abraham,

Exodus begins with Joseph’s generation dead and a Pharaoh on the throne who did not know him (Exodus 1:1–5). That ruler feared the rapidly multiplying Hebrews and determined to deal craftily with them, placing them in slavery. Taskmasters were placed over them, and they were used to build the supply cities of Pithom and Raamses. Pharaoh apparently hoped the hard work would decrease their numbers, but they increased with God’s blessing (Exodus 1:6–14). The king next told the two women in charge of the Hebrew midwives to kill all the boy babies at birth. The midwives feared God more than any human authority and refused to be a part of such cruelty. When the numbers continued to grow, they explained to Pharaoh that Hebrew women were sturdier than the Egyptian women and gave birth before they arrived. God blessed these women with homes and families because they feared Him more than man (Exodus 1:15–21). Pharaoh then told the Israelites to cast all male children into the river. A husband and wife of the tribe of Levi, Amram and Jochebed, had a boy baby. The beauty of this male child caused his parents to believe he was specially favored by God. Their faith in God caused them to hide him for three months (1:22; 2:2; Acts 7:19–20; Hebrews 11:23). Hiding the growing boy became impossible, so Jochebed waterproofed an ark of bulrushes and placed the baby in it on the river in the reeds by the bank with his sister set

God speaks today through His only begotten Son of God (Hebrews 1:2). The importance of the message is seen in the messenger. God declared Him to be His Son and planned for Him to receive the nations as an inheritance (Psalm 2:7–8). Jesus’ Sonship and glory were attested to by the Father at His baptism (Matthew 3:13–17). The nations are subject to Him and worship Him (Psalm 22:22–27). God made the worlds by His Son (John 1:1–5, 14). Jesus’ purpose on earth was to do the work of His Father (John 9:4). Everything in the universe stands by His power (Hebrews 1:3). All was put in motion by Him and remains because of His power. Our Lord shined forth with the essence of the glory of His Father (Colossians 1:15). He is His “express image” of His person like the exact imprint of a seal in wax. Neil Lightfoot, in Jesus Christ Today, said “upholding all things by the word of His power” refers to Jesus’ responsibility for the “providential government” of the universe and His direction of its destiny. He is our Redeemer (John 3:16–17). Jesus was made a purification for our sins. He exercised His priestly office in offering His own blood in sacrifice for our sins. We put away our sinful lives when we participate in the likeness of His death, burial, resurrection and begin to live a new life (Romans 6). The Lord told His disciples He was going to be with the Father. He planned to

Fear seems to come upon us at unexpected times. Our hearts jump when the doctor enters the room to tell us the results of critical tests. A knot forms in our stomachs as the boss calls us in to his office during a company downsizing. Most of us would benefit by taking a look at David’s approach to conquering fear. The conquest of fear begins with prayer. David said, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek…Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me” (Psalm 27:4a, 7 NKJV). When we feel enemies are surrounding us, God’s peace will guard out hearts (Philippians 4:6–7). Fear can be driven away by worshiping our Father. David’s one desire was to always dwell in God’s temple, where he would “offer sacrifices of joy” and “sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6). When Paul and Barnabas were in an hour of trial, they similarly sang and prayed at midnight (Acts 16:25). Struggling saints have great advantages in assembling, as can be seen in the epistle to the Hebrew Christians (Hebrews 10:24–25). God’s protection also offers us a way to conquer fear. David declared, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5, 8, 11–12). God’s protection is ultimately sought through obeying His instructions, as God told Joshua

Paul spoke of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as God’s “indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV). David, in Psalm 22, gave us snapshots of the sense of rejection our Lord experienced as He hung upon the tree. We hear the cry of our Savior, seemingly disturbed by the silence. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent” (Psalm 22:1–2). Yet, He still calls Him “My God” (Matthew 27:46). Jesus knew God had answered His people (Psalm 22:3–5). The Lord had leaned upon the Father since infancy (Psalm 22:9–11). Why did He not hear Him now? Isaiah looked down through the centuries and saw it was because of me (Isaiah 53:4–6)! David depicted the suffering of the Savior. Him endured scorn and ridicule (Psalm 22:6–8). That is an unmistakable preview of the words people would hurl at Him as He hung on the cross (Matthew 27:39–44). Through inspiration, David also foresaw His crucifixion and the parting of His garments (Psalm 22:16, 18; Matthew 27:35a; John 19:23–24). Israel’s sweet singer helps us realize the complete trust the Son had in His Father. He praised His Father throughout His lifetime. He urged others to do likewise, declaring, “For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face

The word “son” means someone’s male descendant or one he has adopted to fill that role. Jesus was called the Son of God for another reason. He was God’s Son by birth (Luke 1:34-35), but the title “Son of God” most often refers to Jesus being of the same nature as God. When Jesus called God His Father, the Jews understood he was claiming to be God (John 5:17–24). John declared Jesus was God come down to earth. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:1–3). John said that the Word was with God at the beginning and was God. All things were made by Him is proof that He is God, since God was the Creator (Genesis 1:1; compare Colossians 1:16–17). This Word, Who was God, John plainly showed to be Jesus (John 1:14). The Father testified to Jesus’ sonship on two separate occasions. After Jesus’ baptism, “A voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” On the Mount of Transfiguration, after Peter suggested making tabernacles for Moses, Elijah and Jesus, “A bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’” (Matthew 3:13–17; 17:1–5). The Jews understood that Jesus being

Sardis was 35 miles southeast of Thyatira on a plateau at the foot of Mt. Timolous. Three sides of the plateau were perpendicular cliffs, so the inhabitants thought they only had to defend one side. The church in Sardis had a reputation of life, vigor and great spiritual strength. No false doctrine had taken root, but there was a heartless holding of truth. Her works looked like beautiful clothes to men, but the Lord saw them as grave clothes disguising a corpse, reminiscent of Jesus telling the spiritually dead to bury the physically dead (Revelation 3:1; Matthew 8:22). Sardis was defeated in 549 and 218 B.C. when the cliffs were left unguarded. Jesus told an overconfident church to be watchful. Their lamp was growing dim and would go out if they did not act quickly. They needed to pump the bellows to rekindle the fire because the embers were ready to die. God had not found their works filled full or perfect. They were an empty shell that God wanted filled with His purpose (Revelation 3:2). The Lord tried to put life back into a dead church by urging them to remember the excitement and joy that came when their sins were first washed away (Acts 2:41; 8:39; 16:33–34). He wanted to prick their consciences and rekindle their joy. They needed to lay down their inactivity and take up diligent watching since the Lord was going to come unannounced and unexpectedly for some (Revelation 3:3; Matthew 24:43). Those who faithfully do

Some say we live in terrible times and suggest we cannot win souls in such an environment. We can learn some valuable lessons from the establishment of the Corinthian church in the midst of a very wicked city. Paul was a preacher so dedicated to proclaiming the truth that he supported himself through making tents beside a husband and wife team named Aquila and Priscilla. The tents were made out of either leather or goat hair cloth (Acts 18:1–3). He did not insist on his right to be supported in the preaching of the Gospel because he did not want to hinder anyone’s obedience (1 Corinthians 9:11–12; 2 Corinthians 11:9). Paul reasoned publicly with the Jews and the Greeks who came to the synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 18:4). He also taught in the house of a man named Justus (Acts 18:6–7). He followed the same course in Ephesus. He reminded the Ephesian elders that he did not hold back anything “helpful” to them, “but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20 NKJV). Paul’s preaching centered around the fact that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:5). He reminded the sanctified in Corinth of the Gospel he preached. “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). The Lord

The author of a first century letter began by identifying himself and the party or parties to whom he wrote. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants” (Revelation 1:1) identifies the Father as the author, with Jesus Christ being the one through whom the letter was conveyed. Jesus is “the faithful witness” of God’s will and the first one to be raised from the dead to die no more (Revelation 1:5; John 3:31–32; Colossians 1:18). This would be a source of great encouragement since Antipas had already died for the faith and others would soon follow (Revelation 2:13). Knowing that God can raise the dead should give Christians courage, even in the face of death (Romans 8:11). Christ is likewise the Ruler over all who are in authority on the earth (Romans 13:1). It might have seemed that no one could control Rome, but the Lord was in authority and would judge them for their misdeeds (John 19:10–11). No one has ever loved any of us more than Jesus does (John 5:13; Romans 5:6–8). That love motivated Him to give His blood so that our sins might be washed away (Hebrews 9:14, 28). All who are a part of the King’s blood-bought body will rule over all (Revelation 1:6; Ephesians 1:22–23; Philippians 2:9–11). Members of Christ’s body have been made a priesthood to offer up sacrifices of praise to God’s name (1 Peter 2:5–9; Hebrews 13:15). John broke forth in praise to God’s name at the very mention

The words serving as the title for this article are from a song entitled “God’s Family,” which was written by Lanny Wolfe. It reminds us of something very special about the Lord’s church – we are family. Wherever you may travel, you are with family if you can join the saints where they meet. Paul’s encouragement of the young preacher Timothy included, “but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV). The word “house” literally could be translated “family.” Paul told the saints at Rome: For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (8:15-17) The apostle of love similarly said, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1). God’s children call one another “brother” and “sister” because we are all children of God. Paul referred to “all the brethren who are with me” at the start of the letter to the Galatian churches (1:2). He gave directions regarding those “overtaken

Men like John Wycliffe, in the 1300’s, saw a corrupted church, which led, in turn, to remarkable wickedness. They called for men to use Scripture only to determine the will of God. Good people are shocked by the changes of recent days. Hatred seems to grow by the minute. Sin is openly practiced and set forth as the way every right-thinking person should walk, or at least praise. Our world needs the Savior and His church, but division has torn believers apart. We must restore the church of the Bible if we are to turn the world around. A restored church is united on the Bible alone. Its members must speak the very words of God (1 Peter 4:11). Those words God spoke are found in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Every believer should, over time, grow in knowledge so he or she can teach others. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Hebrews 5:12 NKJV). A restored church will reject all manmade creeds. A creed is “a brief authoritative formula of religious belief” (Merriam-Webster.com). God’s children must, as Paul told Timothy, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). He later explained that the young preacher should only preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:1-4). He also told

Some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen are of rainbows. God’s colorful covenant symbol draws immediate and lasting attention. The rainbow clearly demonstrates there is a God in Heaven. God came to Noah and told him to build an ark. Noah did everything God commanded him to do (Genesis 6:13, 22). Noah offered a sacrifice when he left the ark, and God gave the rainbow as a sign of His covenant with man that He would never again destroy the world by a great flood (Genesis 9:12). The rainbow in the heavens declares the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). The rainbow reminds us God will punish sinners. Man’s continual wickedness led to the flood. Men may make fun of God, His existence and His Son’s promised return, but the flood stands as evidence that He will punish sinners. Paul reassured the suffering saints at Thessalonica that the Almighty would punish those who do not obey or keep on obeying Him (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, as was plainly seen when God placed the rainbow in the heavens. He lived uprightly in the midst of terrible sinfulness (Genesis 6:8-9). He declared God’s will to those sinners for one hundred years, but only his family was saved (2 Peter 2:5). His salvation by water was a foreshadow of man’s salvation through the waters of baptism (1 Peter 3:20-21). The rainbow emphatically declares God keeps his promises. No flood has destroyed all flesh for the several millennia

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants – things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw” (Revelation 1:1-2 NKJV). The beginning of Revelation is awe-inspiring. The vision of the Lord in 1:12-16 is even more so. It was so powerful that John fell down as if he were dead (Revelation 1:17-18; cf., Isaiah 6:5; Ezekiel 1:29; Daniel 8:17, 27; 10:8-10). Jesus does not want His followers to fear Him but to be comforted by His presence. Jesus was there in the beginning of the world, and He will be there in the end (Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; 48:12). He had to die on the cross, but now Jesus is alive and able to give life to those who come to Him. He conquered death and opened up the way from the place of disembodied souls (Hades) so that Christians need not fear the end of life on this earth. The Lord was walking among the churches (lampstands) and held the angels (stars) in His hand. Each letter that follows is addressed to the angel of the church, with all who receive the message being given directions to act upon the things they heard. The angel, then, is God’s messenger for the particular church addressed (Revelation 2-3). Faithful Christians are awestruck by the greatness

The greatest question anyone can ask is, “How can I know that I am saved?” The answer either points toward a future in Heaven with God or in Hell separated eternally from God (Matthew 25:34, 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). We need to realize salvation comes in three movements. Saul of Tarsus learned from Ananias how he could be saved from his past sins. He asked him, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16 NKJV). The individual set free from his past sins can remain in a saved condition from day to day (1 John 1:7, 9). The ultimate salvation, though, is in Heaven (Romans 13:11). Each must be aware that there are unreliable ways of assurance regarding salvation. Feelings or conscience is not reliable. Though Paul persecuted the church, he told the counsel, “…Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1; 26:9). Sadly, one cannot rely on the assurance of a preacher. Apollos was unintentionally wrong before being taught by Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28). In addition, Paul warned about those who intentionally deceive (Romans 16:17-18). Only God can give you or me true assurance of salvation. God’s inspired apostle to the Gentiles proclaimed there is no condemnation to those in Christ (Romans 8:1-2). Each must be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). Being in Christ is an ongoing part of life (Romans 8:5-6). Living

Herod Agrippa decided to inflict pain on the church, particularly upon the apostles. He took James, the brother of John, captive and killed him with the sword. Herod saw this was well received by the Jews, so he immediately had Peter imprisoned, intending to put him to death as well. He held him in prison while the Passover feast was celebrated. Sixteen soldiers, divided into four groups of four, guarded the apostle. Peter’s public execution was to be held at the conclusion of the feast (Acts 12:1-4). The church waited in prayer while Peter was in prison. Christians asked God to be with Peter. The word Luke used suggests there was prayer being offered up around the clock. Peter lay chained to two soldiers with two more outside the door the night before Herod’s intended act. An angelic messenger awakened Peter and caused the chains to fall off his hands. He told him to dress and led him out of the prison. The apostle thought he was dreaming. He followed the angel past the first and second guard posts, through the gate, which seemed to open automatically, and out into the street. Peter realized he was free once he was in the street. The awestruck apostle realized the Lord had sent His messenger to deliver him out of the murderous hands of Herod. After thinking for a moment, Peter went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, to tell the church of his miraculous release. A girl

A Gospel preacher delivered a lesson at a funeral for a man who was a twin. He told of the sinful life he had lived and urged those in attendance to not go the way of eternal death. Finally, the deceased’s twin stood up and said the preacher was talking about the wrong twin! Everyone could benefit from imagining his or her own funeral. Begin by asking what would be said. What would we like our loved ones to hear? If changes are needed, we should follow Paul’s approach (Philippians 3:13-14). Notice, the apostle was focused on a single goal, Heaven (Philippians 1:21-24). Focusing on what is ahead requires putting aside what is behind. Past sins can be forgiven in penitent baptism (1 Timothy 1:15; Acts 2:38; 22:16). Past accomplishments must also be forgotten (Philippians 3:5-8; Luke 9:25). We also need to forget wrongs suffered at the hands of others. Both Jesus and Joseph show us how this is done (Luke 23:34; Genesis 50:20). Paul, with death fast approaching, could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV). He could say that because he had made his life’s goal pleasing God (2 Corinthians 5:9). Great men and women of faith looked

An injury sustained in a car accident can be a good thing. Doctors taking x-rays to discover the extent of the damage can discover other lurking problems that might have remained hidden until they were too far developed. God can use problems to bring about good results spiritually. God uses problems to correct. The singer of Israel wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word” (Psalm 119:67 NKJV). He also said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver” (Psalm 119:71-72). Our heavenly Father can use troubles to chasten us and to bring forth good fruit (Proverbs 20:30; Hebrews 12:5-6). God uses problems to bless. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). God can use problems to produce maturity in the suffering individual, which is the meaning of “perfect.” Overcoming trials is a means of developing hope (Romans 5:3-5). That is why we need to focus on hearing God’s Word and doing what it says (James 1:21-25). God also uses problems to deliver. Joseph’s words to his brothers show how that works. “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good,

A church sign had the following, “Orthodoxy does not persuade.” The first thing I did was look up “orthodoxy” to be sure I understood it. “Orthodoxy” is a transliteration of orthodoxia, which means right opinion. In other words, it is right doctrine, as the word “orthodox” would suggest. Is the sign right? Our Lord commanded His followers to go “…make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus expected His followers to teach others in a way to persuade them to become disciples. Paul went to the synagogue in Thessalonica for three Sabbaths and “…reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ’…” (Acts 17:2-3). The whole idea behind the word “reasoned” is to put together an argument intended to persuade. In this case, it was to persuade men that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Paul also reasoned and persuaded in Corinth (Acts 18:4). He told the Corinthian Christians that everyone must appear before Christ’s judgment seat to receive according to his or her deeds. “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Corinthians 5:11). Right teaching, as authorized by our Lord,

Peter’s first letter is addressed to the “pilgrims” or “sojourners” dispersed over the world. The idea of sojourning in the New Testament “focuses on the believer’s temporary ‘sojourn’ on earth as a passing, finite preparation for eternity in the consummated kingdom of heaven” (Renn 915). Our transformation from a vision limited to earth to one reaching toward Heaven gives all followers of Christ reasons to praise God. We praise God because we are born of His mercy (1 Peter 1:3). Jesus told Nicodemus a man must be born again to see the kingdom of Heaven (John 3:1-7). That birth and the new life it produces occurs in the waters of baptism (Romans 6:3-4). Paul told Titus we experience the kindness and love of God, “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5 NKJV). We praise God because we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). Our hope is alive because Jesus was raised from the dead by God’s power (Romans 1:4). Paul reassured the Corinthian saints that the resurrection is real, describing Jesus as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in death (1 Corinthians 15:20). Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins in His death. “To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). The sacrifice of Jesus gives Christians a reason to

Carl Bard once said, “Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.” I appreciate what he said and think there is some merit to it. However, there is a spiritual sense in which he was wrong. Jesus told Nicodemus, “…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NKJV). A man dead in sin is buried in a watery grave through baptism, like Christ was buried. He is then raised to live a new life (Ephesians 2:1; Romans 6:3-4). Paul explained to Titus that all Christians once lived a life of disobedience. God showed His kindness to all men by sending Jesus to be the Savior. Salvation is gained “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3-5). Christians are united with Christ in the burial of baptism. We are also united in living a new life when raised from that watery grave. The old man of sin is buried in baptism. A slave who dies is no longer under the power of his master. One who dies to sin is similarly freed from the old master of sin (Romans 6:5-7). We can join Paul in joyfully saying, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold,

Joshua’s first action as leader was to direct overseers to urge the people to make provisions to enter Canaan in three days (Joshua 1:2, 10-11). He reaffirmed the promise of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh to help conquer the land west of Jordan before returning to the east bank (1:12-18). Then, Joshua sent spies to secretly survey Jericho and the surrounding land. They went into the house of Rahab, a harlot living on the city wall. The king heard two Israelites had entered Rahab’s house and sent to have her turn them over. She lied, saying she did not know they were men of Israel and they had left as soon as darkness fell, about the time the gates would be shut. She urged the king’s men to pursue them, saying they should be able to overtake them. They went toward the fords of the river and the gates were shut (2:2-7). She had come to believe in the true God due to the miracles He had worked to deliver Israel. She hid the spies in drying stalks of flax, making it March or April when the river was at flood stage. Rahab’s faith is seen in her words to the spies. She said, “I know that the Lord has given you the land…for the Lord your God, He is God of heaven above and on earth beneath” (2:9-11 NKJV). Her faith is also seen in her works of receiving the spies peacefully and

Ruth Pearson is a dear Christian in Cookeville, Tennessee. She is now battling cancer. The chemotherapy she is receiving is so severe that her blood count, both white and red, is dropping precipitously. The doctor told her to stay away from crowds. Ruth expressed her disappointment, and he asked her where she wanted to go. She told him that she wanted to go to worship. He said, “You can go to church. Just stay away from the people.” Ruth told me she thought the church was the people. She is, of course, right. Peter described Christians “as living stones” and went on to say they were “being built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5 NKJV). Paul said God’s people are “built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). He asked the church in Corinth, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). One interesting feature of Paul’s trip to Rome as a prisoner was the power of getting to visit with God’s people. Julius, the Roman centurion who had charge of the apostle, permitted him to be cared for by his friends in Sidon (Acts 27:3). Paul and his companions found brethren at Puteoli and were invited to stay with them seven days, which may mean they

Joshua and his generation knew the Lord and witnessed the way He worked to force Pharaoh to release them. They saw His care in the wilderness. Joshua’s generation remained true to God’s will. However, they seemed to have failed to tell the next generation of the Lord’s powerful deliverance (Judges 2:7-10). The nations Israel failed to drive out were polytheists. They had no problem worshiping the true God and their false gods at the same time. Israel was to forsake all other gods (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 6:10-25; 13:6-18). Israel failed, though, to see the danger. She is described as laying down to prostitute herself with false gods (Judges 2:11-13). Israel committed spiritual fornication – sinning against God, its husband (Hosea 2:2-13). God had to punish such wickedness to remain righteous (Psalm 89:14). He delivered Israel into the hands of enemies who took the spoils of its land (Judges 2:14-15). Yet, the Almighty did not cease to love the Israelites. He sent judges to deliver them when He heard their groaning (Judges 2:16). They enjoyed the blessings of deliverance but went right back into idolatry when the judge died, which resulted in God becoming angry with them (Judges 2:17-23). We are blessed far beyond physical Israel (Ephesians 1:3). We should make it a point to emphasize those blessings to our children (Ephesians 6:4). Teach them the will of God (2 Timothy 3:15). Help them recognize the blessings to be found in Christ. We must demonstrate the love of God in all

Joshua assumed the mantel of leadership for the express purpose of leading God’s people in the conquest of the Promised Land. He led Israel across the Jordan River and through a dizzying series of victories (because God was with them) over people far more powerful . “Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: ‘You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed’” (Joshua 13:1 NKJV). God was saying the work He had given Joshua and the Israelites was not finished. The Lord’s message to us could well be the same. He gave His followers a spiritual commission of worldwide conquest. “Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem’” (Luke 24:46-47). Paul understood the need to keep preaching the Word, as is seen in his instructions to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2). God wanted Joshua and the people to recognize He was still on their side. He listed the land and people yet to be conquered and promised, “…them I will drive out from before the children of Israel…” (Joshua 13:6). The population of the world is now above 7.6 billion, while known members of the Lord’s church would only be a few million. Thankfully Jesus promised to always be

Paul’s meeting with the Ephesian elders reveals much about his desire to spread the good news to all people. It began with his willingness to say everything people needed to hear. He reminded them of his work, saying, “how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:20-21 NKJV). We must be like him because the Lord assigned us the task of taking the Gospel to every person under Heaven (Mark 16:15-16; Ezekiel 3:17-19). The apostle to the Gentiles was able to speak openly because he did not count his physical life dear. Despite knowing that chains and tribulation awaited him in Jerusalem, he declared, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself” (Acts 20:24). The brethren in Caesarea begged him not to go, but he asked, “…What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). We, too, need to recognize the importance of denying self, taking up our cross and following Jesus (Luke 14:26-27). Paul’s single purpose was to finish the course the Lord gave him. He expressed his overriding desire, saying, “…so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which

I want people to see in me compassion, a willingness to forgive and dependability, to name a few attributes. Faithfulness is another characteristic I hope people see in me. I want people to think of me as a faithful or loyal friend. I also want to be known as one striving to live faithfully in my relationship to God. Faithfulness is required of those outside of Christ (Hebrews 11:6). The source of faith is in hearing “the word of God” (Romans 10:17). A careful study of God’s Word causes me to see repentance is an essential element of the required faith (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30). Repentance must be followed by appealing to God to clean one’s conscience in baptism (1 Peter 3:21). Faithfulness is also required of Christians. Their faithfulness will compel them to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2; Mark 16:15). God’s people are humble servants, planting and watering while waiting for God to give the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). Those who fail to warn others will be punished (Ezekiel 33:7-9). So, Paul told the Ephesian elders, “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:26-27 NKJV). The faithful will be rewarded. Those who have been entrusted with things belonging to another are required to be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). The five-talent man and the two-talent man, both of whom had gone out and gotten more

Peter, James and John have sometimes been described as Jesus’ inner circle. That description arises from the number of times those three were with the Lord at very special times. For instance, Jesus took them up on a mountain to pray, which He often did at night. “As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening” (Luke 9: 29 NKJV). Jesus conversed with Moses and Elijah during the time He was transfigured. Moses was the one through whom God gave the Law to Israel. Elijah was one of the great prophets. They talked about Jesus’ “decease” (Luke 9:31), literally his “departure” (NKJV margin). Peter misunderstood the significance of the events on the mount, in part because he was very sleepy. “Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’ — not knowing what he said” (Luke 9:32-33). The Father responded, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Luke 9:35). Both Peter and John referred to this event in their letters to early Christians. They knew Jesus was real. They were not hallucinating but actually heard the Father declare Jesus is His spokesman for the Christian age (1 John 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:16-18). They knew but were instructed by the Lord to not tell the vision until after the resurrection (Matthew 17:9). The

Every Christian ought to model – to wear – righteousness. Going into evil is a process. The singer of Israel wrote, “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). The righteous man will not even walk by a questionable place (Romans 13:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:22). If the righteous happens to walk by evil, he certainly should neither stand nor loiter around it (1 Corinthians 15:33). Staying around evil will tempt one to sit down and become a part of it (Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-27). Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17 NKJV) The righteous man will turn to God and be blessed. He will read and study God’s law day and night (Psalm 1:2). His love for God’s Word will be apparent to all who know him (Psalm 119:97-100,

The author of the book of Acts is the same as the author of the Gospel According to Luke (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3). Luke has been generally accepted as the author of Luke for centuries. The “we” passages of Acts show the author was a companion of Paul (16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16). Luke was with Paul when he wrote Colossians (4:14) and Philemon (24). The author had a special interest in diseases (Luke 4:38; 5:12; 6:6; 8:43-44, 55; 9:38ff.; 22:50-51), which might be explained because he was a physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke’s loyalty to Paul can be seen as he stayed with the apostle during very trying times (2 Timothy 4:9-12). The recipient of the book was a man named Theophilus, meaning “one who loves God.” He was addressed as “most excellent” in Luke. This was a title used for some in service of the Roman government (Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25). One author suggested Theophilus was Luke’s benefactor. He may have become a Christian between the writing of Luke and Acts since the title is dropped in the latter. Acts could be described as a continuation of the story of “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (1:1). The church is, after all, the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). McGarvey wrote, “Much the greater part of Acts may be resolved into a detailed history of cases of conversion, and of unsuccessful attempts at the conversion of sinners” (4). Such a statement of purpose fits nicely with the Lord’s marching

Jesus told three parables in Matthew 25 regarding the end of the world. The last is often called the Parable of the Judgment, though the Lord gave it no name. He depicted Himself on His glorious throne with all nations gathered before Him. He said that He will then divide all of humanity into two groups. The group on His right hand, which is the hand of power, will hear him say, “…Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34 NKJV). Then, Jesus listed six separate acts of service done for others as the reason those on the right hand will be invited (Matthew 25:35-36). McGarvey says, “The acts here enumerated indicate more than a mere outlay of money. They are not such as are the offspring of impulse, but such as call for the sacrifice of time, strength, sympathy, etc., and clearly demonstrate the fullness of the Christian life” (639). True love for the brethren, without which one cannot claim to love God, will motivate one to act on behalf of those beloved brethren. “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18). Only an active, loving faith is truly alive (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Jesus said those

Many seem to believe truth is either non-existent, unattainable or ever changing. God’s people, however, must help the world see the unchanging truth that will set them free (John 8:32). Paul told Timothy the church is the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). In other words, the church is the column and the prop that holds up the truth. Jesus’ prayer shows the Truth is important because it is the means of man’s sanctification. No wonder Jesus gave His followers the assignment of taking the good news to every creature (Mark 16:15-16)! The church is to teach the truth. Peter and John said they were compelled to preach (Acts 4:20). Later, all the apostles were arrested because of the impact of their preaching. After an angel set them free, they were found in the Temple teaching. They were recaptured, threatened and beaten, but did not stop preaching daily (Acts 5:25, 42). Those scattered by the persecution following the death of Stephen preached wherever they went (Acts 8:4). Paul reminded the Ephesian elders of his teaching in their city day and night (Acts 20:20). The church must send teachers with the Truth. Christ’s mission for Paul was carrying Jesus’ name to “Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Barnabas was sent to Antioch to encourage young Christians. He found Paul to help him, and they taught for a year (Acts 11:22-26). That same church prayed and fasted before Paul and Barnabas went on their missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3). Each

Watching or reading the news can be depressing. The focus is on the worst actions of man, often against other men. Focusing on such can result in a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. The Christian, however, has multiple reasons for rejoicing. God’s children should rejoice in the Father’s love. He sent His Son to die for us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8) “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10). That love permits us to say there is literally nothing that can defeat us (Romans 8:38-39). Those in Christ can rejoice because we are free from sin. That freedom was achieved when we changed masters by obeying from the heart the pattern of teaching in the Gospel. Those who have repented and have been baptized under Jesus’ authority went down into the water dead in sin. In the watery grave, they were buried with their Lord, coming in contact with the blood He shed in his death. Freedom from sin was achieved and all condemnation was removed (Romans 6:3-4, 16-18; 8:1-2; John 19:31-35). Those who are part of Christ can rejoice because of their hope. Peter said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has

Peter said God is praised (“blessed”) because of His great mercy, displayed in Christians being allowed to be born again (1 Peter 1:3; John 3:1-8; Romans 6:1-11; James 1:18). We are born into a life of hope because Jesus was raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:16-20; Ephesians 2:12-13). Our hope is alive because Christ is alive from the grave, showing God can also make us alive (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Peter further described the Christian’s living hope as an inheritance, which is for children born into a family (1 Peter 1:4; Acts 20:32; Romans 8:13-17). Earthly inheritances are temporary and perishable (Matthew 6:19-20). The Christian’s inheritance is permanent, lasting and “undefiled” because no sin or impurity will be allowed in Heaven (Revelation 21:27). The apostle used the word amarantos to describe the unending nature of Heaven. “The amaranth was a fabled flower whose bloom was perpetual, and whose loveliness never failed” (Woods 27). “Reserved” depicts a military guard keeping watch over the inheritance which is in Heaven. The Christian is guarded by God as surely as is his inheritance (1 Peter 1:5; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:7). God guards the Christian through his faith. It is essential to realize, as Peter did, that one’s faith can fail. Each should do all within his power to avoid such failing (Luke 22:31-32; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; Hebrews 3:12). We should desire to keep that faith constant until the last time, or day of judgment, when final, complete salvation will be revealed. Praise God for the mercy

A daily poll is a part of a website I enjoy visiting from time to time. A recent poll asked people where they eat supper. Forty percent said, “In front of the TV.” That led me to a question. Does the television distract family members from paying close attention to what other family members might be saying? The survey did not have a response for what a person was doing while eating the meal. How many appear disinterested in their families because of smart phones and tablets? God directed that the family make a continual effort to teach and train children. Notice Moses’ words to the second generation of Israelites delivered from bondage in Egypt. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NKJV) Parents should make every effort to learn what their children are doing and thinking. Seize upon questions, viewing them as teaching opportunities. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,

Paul’s defense before Festus and Herod Agrippa II was interrupted. Luke reports, “Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!’” (Acts 26:24 NKJV). The challenge was brought on by the message Paul preached. The apostle to the Gentiles was considered mad because of the hope of the promise. “And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers” (Acts 26:6). The promise was repeated to Abraham when he submitted to God’s will, even preparing to sacrifice his only son. God declared, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice” (Genesis 22:18). Paul told the churches of Galatia the promise was specifically regarding the Christ (Galatians 3:16). Paul was considered mad because he said the hope ultimately was in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 26:7-8). He reminded the saints at Corinth that resurrection took place in fields around the globe. He explained that each created thing had a body suited to its existence. The body inhabited by humans is natural and the resurrection body will be spiritual. Those living on earth have a body similar to Adam, while those in Heaven will have a body like Christ’s (1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-44, 48-49). Jesus assigned the preaching of hope to Paul, especially among the Gentiles. He began the work in Damascus immediately after his own conversion.

Most people have the sense that things are changing so fast they cannot keep up. Those who are slow to adjust find themselves frustrated. There is a sense of loss, often expressed through a longing for the “good old days.” God’s children, however, are comforted in the knowledge that some things do not change. Christ never changes. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). His rule is unchanging. “But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom’” (Hebrews 1:8). He is our unchanging High Priest, serving as our unchanging Mediator (Hebrews 5:6; 7:25). The church never changes (Hebrews 12:28). It is the everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:10-11). Jesus promised to build His church and said even hades could not defeat it (Matthew 16:18). A part of the revelation given to John includes, “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” (Revelation 11:15). Men may continually make new laws substituting new ways and ideas for what we considered the “tried and true.” God’s Word, though, never changes (Isaiah 40:8). Our Lord said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). That unchanging Word will be the standard in the day of judgment. “He who rejects

A very powerful thought is recorded on the tomb of an Anglican bishop in Westminster Abbey. When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lay on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world. (Anonymous. Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul. Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Patty Hansen, 1996.) That inscription reminds me of one of the most misunderstood incidents in the life of Christ, which occurred after His resurrection. Jesus had just told Peter that He would be bound and forced to go where he did not want to go when he was old. Peter looked around and saw John. He then asked, “But Lord, what about this man?” (John 21:21 NKJV). Jesus responded, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:22). John reported that a

Herod Agrippa II might have been the subject of tabloid headlines, if such had existed in his day. His constant companion was his sister, Bernice. He spent most of his early years in the imperial household in Rome. Claudius, emperor of Rome, ultimately appointed him king over Chalcis, a small realm on the western slope of the Anti-Lebanon. Herod’s encounter with Paul came when he and Bernice went to Caesarea to salute the newly appointed governor, Festus. Paul’s challenging lesson on Jesus led him to say, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). The power of the apostle’s message arose from three important points. First, Paul appealed to the Bible and known truth. He referenced Moses and the prophets (Acts 26:22-23). He said Agrippa knew about Jesus and His resurrection because everything happened in the open for all to see. He asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (Acts 26:25-27). Second, Paul persuaded men. Herod’s words refer to that persuasion. He similarly sought to persuade the people of Antioch in Pisidia, Corinth and Ephesus (Acts 13:43; 18:4; 19:8). The apostle’s enemies even realized that was his purpose. Demetrius told his fellow silversmiths, “Moreover you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands” (Acts 19:26). Third, Paul wanted men to be Christians – not almost but

Many mothers, maybe mine, have asked a child, “Did you hear me?” The question is often followed by an amazing answer that indicates the child heard every word. Mothers are thus frustrated knowing the child heard their words but did not act upon them. God’s Word is able to save the soul and should be received with humble submission. God seemingly has the same frustrations as some mothers, since people hear the Word without doing anything, making hearing the Word of God an act of futility. Our Lord’s half-brother wrote, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21-22). Guy N. Woods said the verb tense of the word “doers” denotes a continuous action. The same action is seen in Paul’s description of some of those who Christ will judge worthy of vengeance. That group will not keep on obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). We are deceived when we think all that we have to do is hear the truth. Hearing must produce a faith that acts. Such faith is produced by hearing God’s Word, as well as believing He exists and will reward those who diligently seek him (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6). James used a parable (James 1:23-25) to illustrate the point of verse 22. A person who looks in a mirror to check his appearance but goes away without correcting the problems he sees is like the one who hears but does nothing. The other character in the parable

Many people talk about Jesus without knowing who He truly is. The prophet who often spoke of the suffering servant described Him beautifully. “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is wonderful for all who have received the forgiveness of sins. Paul declared, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25a). This was achieved by God making Him bear sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He is also a prized counselor who gives the best advice because in Him are the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:1-3). He delivered the words of the Father, which lead to everlasting life (John 12:46-50). Our Savior can also be described as Mighty God since He created all things (Hebrews 1:1-3). “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Our Lord is also Everlasting Father, which Homer Hailey says is in the sense of protector and sustainer. Joseph said, “So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of

Someone suggested David’s words in Psalm 37:4-5 are a good representation of the way God’s children view death. The shepherd king wrote, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” The Christian’s view of death begins with life. David instructed, “Delight yourself also in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4a). Paul portrayed this when he declared, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). The widow willingly gave all she had because of this type of thinking (Luke 21:1-4). David continued, “Commit your way to the Lord” (Psalm 37:5a). Commitment to the Lord led Dorcas to make all sorts of garments for the widows (Acts 9:36-43). Their tearful display of her works resulted in Peter raising her from the dead. Paul gave up his own life and lived with Christ making the controlling decisions in his daily walk (Galatians 2:20). The Christian sees death as desirable because of what follows. David said the one who delighted in the Lord would discover that He would give him the desires of his heart (Psalm 37:4b). The apostle to the Gentiles desired to be with the Lord (Philippians 1:23). Living a life fully committed to the Savior resulted in the Lord bringing to pass what Paul trusted Him to do (Psalm 37:5b). John described Heaven in wonderful terms (Revelation 21:1-6). Paul confidently looked forward

Four things must be present to have a nation, according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary. Not surprisingly, the church has each of those four parts, too. A nation is a community of people. The church is the community of the saved (Acts 2:47). Luke describes them as being of “one heart and one soul.” They were concerned about the needs of every member, and those disciples readily sold their possessions and gave the money to the apostles, expecting any in need to receive care (Acts 4:32, 34-35). God’s kingdom, the church, is also composed of one or more nationalities. Jesus spoke of other sheep who were “not of this fold” (i.e., Israel) (John 10:16). Paul carried the Gospel to all sorts of people and nationalities (Romans 1:14-16). In Christ, all those are melded into one body (Galatians 3:27-28). Christ’s kingdom possesses a more or less defined territory. Jesus said, “Nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Jesus told the disciples that He and His Father would make their home with anyone who loved Him and kept His Word (John 4:23). Jesus’ letter to the church at Laodicea included a description of Him standing at the door of their hearts, desiring to come in and dine (Revelation 3:20). Webster said a nation has a government. The “saints and faithful brethren in Christ” who lived in Colosse were told, “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning,

Heaven is the ultimate goal of Christians. Paul stated, “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). He understood all of our actions would be judged and some would keep many out of God’s eternal home (Galatians 6:7-8). The apostle gave a short list of such sins in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. A fornicator is one involved in intimate relationships outside of marriage. Jesus listed this as the one reason a God-fearing individual could divorce his or her mate and be remarried without sinning (Matthew 19:9). Adultery involves a married person having intimate relations with someone not his or her spouse. It may be specified because it breaks up families and hurts a third party. The word translated “homosexuals” literally means “soft to touch.” Vine says, “metaphorically, in a bad sense… persons in general, who are guilty of addiction to sins of the flesh.” The sin of sodomy is described in Romans 1:26-27. A thief takes what belongs to someone else, while those who are covetous desire “to have more… i.e., to have what belongs to others; hence, greedy of gain,” according to Vine. Those who become intoxicated are drunkards. Revilers are abusive and profane. Those who are excessively grasping or covetous could be described as extortioners.

School started this week. Parents either have, or will have, searched for all the items the school says their child will need to have a productive year. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of preparing for a physical education, I want all of us to remember the importance of a spiritual education. We need to teach our children to hold God in reverence. The Almighty illustrated the futility of worshiping idols (Habakkuk 2:18-19). Then, He said, “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20). Properly educated children will know the Creator and His limitless power (Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24-25). Jesus’ model of prayer begins with, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). Children must be taught the value of respect for authority. Paul said the first command with promise was, “Honor your father and mother.” He preceded that with, “Children, obey our parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1-3). The wise man told his son to, “hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9). Rebellious children were a danger to society and were to be stoned so all would learn to have respect (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Successful people take responsibility for their actions. Children should be held accountable for chores, schoolwork and the study of God’s Word. Everyone will have to give

Many of us have children and grandchildren. They are a blessing. This article is not about them, but rather, it is about spiritual children. Paul considered those who obeyed the Gospel because of his preaching to be his children. He told the Corinthian saints, “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). Paul called Timothy his “true son in the faith,” which leads us to believe that he was one of his converts (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2). He used him in his various works for the Lord. He, like any good father, watched out for his wellbeing, telling the Corinthians, “And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do” (1 Corinthians 16:10). Paul addressed a letter to Titus by saying, “To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 1:4). He sent him to Corinth to check on the church. Despite the fact that the Lord opened a door to him in Troas, he told the church of God in Corinth, “I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother, but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia” (2 Corinthians 2:12-13). Paul’s thinking should stimulate

Each time the saints meet produces another opportunity to extend invitations to friends and loved ones. Some may wonder what good it does to invite others to join us. Two disciples of John asked Jesus where he was staying. The Lord immediately said, “Come and see.” Andrew not only accepted the invitation, but also invited his brother, Simon, who was named Peter by the Master. Jesus invited Philip to follow him the next day. Philip went and invited Nathanael, who lived in the same city, Bethsaida (John 1:35-51). These four, along with eight more, stood up on the Pentecost proclaiming the good news about the resurrected Messiah. About three thousand responded to their teaching (Acts 2:1-41). Our invitations can similarly impact the lives of untold numbers. An example of this is found in an invitation extended by one Christian girl to her friend to come to a Gospel meeting in Arkansas. The friend attended and obeyed the Lord by putting Him on in baptism. She later moved to Texas, where she met a soldier and taught him the truth. He, too, was baptized into Christ. He and the young woman who taught him got married. They wrote letters to his parents in Salisbury, Maryland. The parents also learned and obeyed the Truth. The young couple eventually settled in Salisbury where a church exists because of one invitation in Arkansas. Have you ever picked a dandelion and blown on the fuzzy looking ball? The little white seeds float on the wind,

Most people know the wise men saw a star in the East that caused them to go to Jerusalem seeking the child who would be King of the Jews. The chief priests and scribes were aware of Micah’s prophecy that he would be born in Bethlehem. The star went ahead of the wise men to the town of our Lord’s birth (Matthew 2:1-12). Today, people do not find Jesus by following a star, but they should be able to follow the light to find the Savior. Paul directed the Philippian saints, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). The word “lights” literally means “luminaries.” Our light, like that of the sun, moon and stars, comes from God. Jesus commanded His followers to let their lights shine through their good works so His Father would be glorified (Matthew 5:14-16). Paul said he was a slave in service to the Christians at Corinth preaching Christ Jesus the Lord. He went on to explain that he did it “for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:5-6). Our task is to be a light for the many

Researchers report they have found what may be liquid on Mars, according to an article on the website for Popular Science. I have rarely read an article filled with so many mights and maybes. It is obvious they are desperate to find the possibility of life on another planet. Their time could be much better spent looking for God and His will for their lives. These well-educated men seem to be following the path of the Gentiles’ in their downward spiral into the depths of sin. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:18-21) Scientists and researchers who work so hard to find evidence of life on another planet overlook the truth right before their eyes — God exists! The Psalmist sang, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork” (19:1). “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). God created the universe

Christians must be constantly on guard against Satan. He told God he had been busy going “to and fro on the earth,” which goes well with Peter’s description of a roaring lion (Job 1:7; 2:2; 1 Peter 5:8). Paul described the Christian response to this ongoing assault. He encouraged the Corinthian saints to be firm in matters of faith and not let false teachers shake their beliefs, as they had on the resurrection. He also urged them to be men in the faith and courageously stand in God’s strength. Further, the apostle reminded them that all of a Christian’s actions should be based on love. Loving actions should end all strife (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). The apostle to the Gentiles directed Christians in Corinth to carefully choose who they followed. He urged them to be subject to those who lovingly ministered to the needs of fellow Christians, especially singling out the family of Stephanas. They had been the first converts in Achaia. Even Paul needed encouragement. He felt an emptiness because of his separation from the brethren in Corinth. Relief came with the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. Their coming enabled him to write based upon firsthand knowledge so he could address some of their greatest needs. He wanted the Corinthians to receive them as those who had helped (1 Corinthians 16:15-18). Remaining faithful is not automatic. We must hold the line like soldiers in battle yet be sure our actions are controlled by love. Each of us must seek out faithful

Doors in the Word of God can be hopeful or hopeless. Unfortunately, man sometimes closes a door against the Lord. How often do we limit God by refusing to let Him in? The rich young ruler turned away from the Lord rather than sell his possessions and give the money to the poor (Matthew 19:22). The people of Jerusalem would not get close to the very Lord who came to deliver them words of truth (Matthew 23:37). The church in Laodicea heard the Lord say, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). It is sad to think an assembly of Christians would not let the Lord inside. Our loving Father has promised to give His children protection. The story of Noah includes, “So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in” (Genesis 7:16). Behind that door, Noah, his family and the animals he had taken in remained safe, while all other flesh died. The devil correctly charged God with putting a protective barrier around Job (Job 1:10). Even in times of temptation, He will provide a way of escape (2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Paul understood it is within the power of the Sovereign of the universe to give His people a door to tell the good

Paul, even as a prisoner, was confident God would deliver him (Philippians 1:19). His confidence did not seem to have been in a deliverance from prison. The apostle seemed to have been assured that the Almighty would work everything out for good (1:20). It did not matter whether he was delivered from prison to preach freely again or delivered from this life to be with the Lord. God’s spokesman to the Gentiles seemed to have based his confidence, in part, on the prayers of the saints for him. He had learned not to trust in himself but in God who is able to raise the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9-11). Paul also benefited by the “supply,” or help which undergirds and strengthens, of the Spirit. He expressed a powerful trust in the Lord as a part of his closing words to his son in the faith (2 Timothy 4:18). Such thinking would surely support one through the most difficult of times. An “earnest expectation” is “primarily a watching with outstretched head.” It “signifies strained expectancy, eager longing, the stretching forth of the head indicating an expectation of something from a certain place” (W.E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words 61). Paul did not look forward to failure but to success in showing the Savior more clearly to others either through his life or through his death (Philippians 1:20). Thus, death would be gain because it would bring the long-awaited reward of rest (2 Corinthians 5:18; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 14:13). One

God entrusted us with many things. Jesus’ powerful point in the Parable of the Talents is that the Almighty has given us things that belong to Him, and they are to be used in a way that furthers His interest (Matthew 25:14-30). Every individual needs to ensure that he or she uses those things in a way that will glorify our Father. God gave us life. Paul declared, “for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring ’” (Acts 17:28). We are a part of His creation, exist by His power and should live to give Him glory (Colossians 1:16; Romans 11:36). He has given us today as a part of our lives, and we should seek Him while we can (Isaiah 55:6; Hebrews 3:12-13). Our loving Father gave us material things to sustain us in life. All Christians should purpose to lay something into the treasury of the church on the first day of the week based upon the way God prospers us (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). God gave us ability that should be used in His service (Matthew 25:14-30). This includes working to provide for the needs of our families and others (1 Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 4:28). We serve the God of all comfort. He blesses us with comfort so that we will, in turn, be prepared to bless others in their times of struggle. The greatest comfort comes from the

John and Paul both expressed a longing for the Lord. Jesus’ reassuring statement at the end of His revelation to John is, “Surely I am coming quickly.” The response of the exile on Patmos is like a shouted plea, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). Paul’s closing words to the church of God in Corinth include, “O Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22b). This longing is the undergirding of all faithful Christians. Hebrew converts were reminded that God’s Son “was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Christians can confidently long for Jesus because He is our Anchor. The inspired penman said, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:19). We need an anchor to avoid drifting (Hebrews 2:1). Our Lord serves as a perfect Anchor, having offered His blood on the Father’s ultimate mercy seat in Heaven to atone for our sins (Hebrews 8:5; 9:3, 7-8, 12). A confident longing for Jesus also arises from the fact that He is our Forerunner, having gone like a scout to prepare our way to Heaven (Hebrews 6:20a). He told the apostles He would go prepare a place and come back for them (John 14:1-6). He suffered through the agony of the cross to lead the way to our heavenly home (Hebrews 5:7-9). We should

Hannah grieved because she had no children. Her deep sorrow made her husband miserable (1 Samuel 1:2, 7-8). She took her grief to God in prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Her request for a son was an acknowledgement that children are a blessing from God (Genesis 33:5; Psalm 127:3). Recognizing children as a blessing from the Father should cause us to realize the importance of bringing them up in the way He desires. Hannah named the son God gave her, Samuel, meaning “heard of God.” She gave him to God, committing herself to maintaining that gift for life (1 Samuel 1:20, 28). Dedicating children to the Lord involves intentionally choosing throughout a child’s life to put God first in every part of his or her life. God blessed Hannah for making such choices in the rearing of Samuel (1 Samuel 2:10-21). Like Jesus, Samuel “grew in stature, and in favor with the Lord and men” (1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:52). Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him Scripture starting from infancy, just as we should (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Eli’s sons were to be cut off because they did not honor God. The Almighty said He would raise up for Himself a faithful priest who would do according to what was in God’s heart (1 Samuel 2:27-35). Eli served Israel as both a priest and judge, and Samuel assumed that role after Eli died. His efforts resulted in Israel serving only the Lord (1 Samuel 7:3-4). Clearly, Hannah’s dedication of her son to the Lord

God’s prophets endured hardship, persecution and death to tell forth the inspired Word of God. Yet, they did not have the plan of salvation revealed to them. They delivered the key elements without understanding how and to whom they would be applied. Angels also wanted to know how God would save man, but that plan was reserved for Christ’s followers (1 Peter 1:10-12). Prophets wrote Scripture as the Holy Spirit directed them (2 Peter 1:20-21). Peter indicated they did not comprehend some of the things they wrote but searched their own writings to gain understanding of God’s plan. Jesus told His followers that astonishing truth (Matthew 13:16-17). Moses wrote of God’s plan for the seed of woman to crush the head of Satan, but he did not realize the seed would be the Christ (Genesis 3:15). Isaiah told of the suffering servant and the glory that would follow, but he did not understand it would take place on the cross (Isaiah 53). David wrote a song anticipating the glorious resurrection that would follow the suffering, but he did not fully appreciate the powerful events (Psalm 16:8-11). The singer of Israel recorded the words that would be spoken on the cross, but he did not realize who would speak them (Psalm 22). The Messianic prophet spoke of a kingdom into which people from all nations would flow (Isaiah 2:1-5). He also described the painful beating God’s sin-bearer would receive, leaving him unrecognizable (52:13-15). Hosea told of those who had not been

God sent Aaron to meet Moses in the wilderness as promised. Moses told him everything that had transpired at the burning bush. Aaron related everything to the elders of Israel, including all God said and the signs given. The elders believed God remembered them and sent Moses as a deliverer (Exodus 4:27-31). Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh, telling him God said, “Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.” The request was reasonable. “Every nation presented sacrifices to its deities, and celebrated festivals in their honour, and that they had all their own modes of worship, which were supposed to be appointed by the gods themselves, so that a god could not be worshipped acceptably in every place” (Keil and Delitzsch). Pharaoh showed total lack of respect for God by saying he did not know Him. Moses and Aaron said the God of the Hebrews met with them and told them to sacrifice to Him in the wilderness. Sacrificing in the wilderness was necessary since they would be sacrificing some of the very animals the Egyptians worshiped. They desired to follow God’s instructions lest they be struck with a terrible disease or a war, either of which would have posed a threat to the Egyptians. Pharaoh accused Moses and Aaron of being troublemakers, trying to lighten the workload of the Israelites. Pharaoh responded by requiring the Israelites to get their own straw for the bricks while producing the same number as before.

What is the worst of foes that wait on age? What stamps the wrinkle deeper on the brow? To view each loved one blotted from life’s page, And be alone on earth, as I am now. ~ Lord Byron Widows and widowers rank high among the people for whom I pray regularly. I can see their eyes light up when they speak of a departed mate. I also seem to see the hurt of loneliness. I cannot tell them I know how they feel, but I can point them to Psalm 139. The singer of Israel, likely David, realized God is present everywhere. He expressed this by asking two rhetorical questions. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (139:7). He confidently answered, “If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me” (139:9-10). Jesus knew the Father was always with Him. “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32). He expressed it on the cross in his dying moments. “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit’” (Luke 23:46). The Father did not leave his soul in Hades, but raised Him from the dead (Acts 2:31-32). Jesus delivered the Great Commission immediately

Quite a few people use the greeting, “What’s new?” It is their way of opening the door to any conversation an individual might want to have. It is also a good question for God’s people to ask. God has made and will make things new for us. He sent Jesus to be the Mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 12:24). This covenant enables God’s children to come before His throne (Hebrews 10:19-20). We become a part of that new covenant when we are made new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians look forward to new heavens and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13). In that realm, the faithful will be with God and will be designated as His people. The Father will wipe away our tears. Death, sorrow, crying and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:1-5). God’s people should make sure they are made new for God. Paul wrote, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation” (Galatians 6:15). We cannot allow the world to fit us into its mold, but we must renew our minds daily (Romans 12:1-2). The physical man will continue his path toward death. The spiritual man should be renewed daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). What’s new? It is everything God has prepared and will prepare for His people. We must be sure to be a people who emphasize being made new for God.

Worship is an essential feature of the assemblies of the saints. It is a time for the family of God to join together in praising the Father. Acceptable worship must involve both spirit and truth (John 4:24). We might use the heart to describe what is meant by the word “spirit.” Our hearts must be filled with purity. The Psalmist said the one who would be with God in His holy place must have clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4). God’s instructions to Jacob to go to Bethel resulted in him telling his family, “…Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves and change your garments” (Genesis 35:2 NKJV). David keenly felt the guilt of his sin and asked God to create in him a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). Our hearts should bow in humility. One singer declared, “…I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple” (Psalm 5:7 NIV). Peter instructed scattered Christians to humble themselves before God (1 Peter 5:6). Habakkuk reported, “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20 NKJV). We should also raise our voices in praise to God because of what is in our heart. “I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High” was proclaimed by a singer of Israel (Psalm 7:17). Another singer said, “I will be

Ingratitude is a sin. Paul wrote about the downward spiral of the Gentiles into sin, including some thoughts on their failure to be grateful (Romans 1:21). He told a young preacher, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:1-2). Only one leper returned to thank Jesus after the ten were cleansed. The Lord’s questions are telling. “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:11-19). Bible examples demonstrate why we should be grateful. Jesus gave thanks before the feeding of the 4,000 (Mark 8:6). He thanked the Father for always hearing Him before commanding Lazarus to come forth from the grave (John 11:40-44). He also gave thanks for the bread and the cup during the time He was instituting the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-27). Paul often told of his prayers of thanksgiving for the churches to which he wrote letters (Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2). Christians are commanded to be grateful. The apostle to the Gentiles wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Walking in Christ should result in abounding with thanksgiving. Christ’s followers should remain watchful in prayer with thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7;

God’s basic law for marriage is seen when one removes the exception from Jesus’ words to the Pharisees. “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife…and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery“ (Matthew 19:9 with “except for sexual immorality” replaced by an ellipsis). God intended for marriage to last for life because it fulfills an important need of man and woman, companionship. God’s law applies to “whoever,” not being limited to Christians. “There is not any indication of what is termed ‘covenant legislation’ which only applies to Christians; all others being free to divorce and remarry as much as they wish prior to conversion and remain with the last marriage partner before one becomes a child of God” (“The Problem of Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage,” Writings and Notes of William E. Woodson 4). Divorce is nowhere to be found in God’s original plan. It is a difficult subject to discuss because it involves the pinnacle of human relationships. The failure of that relationship is painful to the innermost core of a man’s heart. Woodson observed, “It deals with matters which, with very few exceptions, are and can be known for sure only by a very small number of people” (1). Divorce is very personal. “Nothing could be more delicate than the intimacies of marriage; nothing could be more difficult to discuss than those aspects of these intimacies which have been perverted and destroyed” (Woodson 1). It can become quite volatile as the extended families

The Sadducees were jealous of the apostles because the people regarded them highly and large numbers were being added to the church. The apostles had continued to preach in Jesus’ name despite an earlier warning, so they were seized and placed in common prison. God sent a messenger to release them, again proving to be more powerful than any earthly authority. The messenger commanded them to go to the Temple and preach the words that give eternal life. The high priest called for the council to assemble and sent for the apostles. The officers came back, reporting the jail was secure but the apostles were missing. Someone came to tell them they were in the Temple teaching the people (Acts 5:17-25). The captain and his officers brought the apostles back to the council, but without violence because they feared the people. The high priest asked why they continued to preach in Jesus’ name, which they had been strictly told not to do. The council was particularly concerned that the apostles were portraying them as responsible for the death of the innocent, despite the fact that they had earlier been willing to have that very blood on their hands (Acts 5:26-28; Matthew 27:25). Peter and the other apostles answered, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” The implication, even for Christians today, is that no law should be considered greater than God’s law. The limits of the authority of the Sadducees had already been demonstrated by the Almighty in the resurrection

The world challenges the Christian’s faith daily. Paul understood that and wrote to strengthen the faith of the brethren at Rome through a series of rhetorical questions. I am thankful to Roger Johnson for helping me see these powerful questions. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Joshua and Caleb understood this, though they saw the same giants as the other ten spies (Numbers 14:6-9). Isaiah and John both underscored the power of having God on their side (Isaiah 41:14-15; 1 John 4:4). “How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). This question follows the simple, yet dynamic statement that God gave His own Son up for us. We should, therefore, put God’s kingdom, the church, first in our thinking and acting (Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 3:14-20). “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?” (Romans 8:33). God actively works so those who live in accord with His will can be as if they never sinned (Romans 4:7-8). Our accuser is defeated because of the offering of Jesus’ blood (Revelation 12:10-11). “Who is he who condemns?” (Romans 8:34). Jesus is seated at God’s right hand. He is able to completely save us, and He is ready to intercede on our behalf (Hebrew 7:25). There is no condemnation for those who have been baptized into Christ and walk according to the Spirit’s direction (Galatians 3:27; Romans 8:1). “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35). Those who continue

Numerous religious groups look to a dynamic personality to set their beliefs in motion. None, however, has a leader like Jesus. Jesus was “God with us.” The angel told Joseph that the child Mary was expecting was a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew 1:18-25). John added to our understanding when he told about the Word that was with God at the beginning and was God. He was the one who walked among men, displaying the Glory of the “only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-2, 14). Our Leader controlled the elements. He actually was the Creator. “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3). The apostles awakened our Lord in the midst of a terrible storm on the Sea of Galilee. “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:36-41). Our Lord offered love to His enemies by coming to die for them (Romans 5:6-11). He also commanded His followers to do the same (Matthew 5:44). The mocking mob before the cross heard Him pray, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). Judas, the Lord’s betrayer, recognized that our Master was sinless (Matthew 27:4). Pilate agreed with him (Luke 23:14b-15a). One of the thieves hanging with him referred to the unjust nature of the tortuous death the Lord endured (Luke 23:39-41). The

Thomas Campbell came to the United States from Ireland for health reasons. His journey came in the midst of a long struggle with the division he saw in the religious world of his Irish homeland. Thomas discovered that the religious climate of the United States was no better. He became part of what was known as the Christian Association of Washington, Pennsylvania. Thomas played a key role in writing the Declaration and Address, first published in 1809. One statement in that document shows the tenor of his work. He pleaded that: all speak, profess, and practice, the very same things, that are exhibited upon the sacred page of New Testament Scripture, as spoken and done by the Divine appointment and approbation; and that this be extended to every possible instance of uniformity, without addition or diminution; without introducing anything of private opinion, or doubtful disputation, into the public profession or practice of the church. (page 50) He set forth a series of propositions that he saw as the only reasonable basis for unity. Number 5 stresses the importance of going back to the Bible for our authority. That with respect to the commands and ordinances of our Lord Jesus Christ, where the scriptures are silent, as to the express time or manner of performance, if any such there be; no human authority has power to interfere, in order to supply the supposed deficiency, by making laws for the church; nor can anything more be required of Christians in such cases, but

It is obvious King Lemuel’s mother wanted the best for her son (Proverbs 31). She warned him against improper relationships with women and the dangers of alcohol when carrying out the important duties of a king. She also gave him a beautiful picture of the type of woman who would make a wonderful wife. The worthy woman has her family’s respect. Her husband places his full trust in her. “She does him good and not evil All the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:10-12). She is such a help to him that he is known among the leaders of the city in which he lives (Proverbs 31:23). Her children speak well of her, and her husband praises her (Proverbs 31:28-29). The wise use of money is characteristic of the worthy woman. Her hands are busily at work, toiling well into the night making yarn (Proverbs 31:13, 16-19). Her labors include making things to sell to merchants. She watches her family and provides for their needs (Proverbs 31:24, 27). Food will be prepared for her family, even when it means getting up well before the sun rises (Proverbs 31:14-15). Every member of her household has warm clothing. She strives to look nice, wearing fine linen and purple (Proverbs 31:21-22). The words of a worthy woman are filled with wisdom and kindness (Proverbs 31:26). She is not like the young widow who spends her time gossiping and telling others how to conduct their business (1 Timothy 5:13). She would not be a

The mention of circumcision instantly draws Bible students to the Old Testament. Circumcision was an important element of a covenant relationship with God. God promised to multiply Abraham, make him father of many nations and give his descendants land (Genesis 17:1-8). The Almighty declared, “Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you” (Genesis 17:10-11). God made it clear that the uncircumcised male would not remain in a covenant relationship with Him. “And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant” (Genesis 17:14). Those who wandered in the wilderness did not circumcise their boys, and so God commanded they do so as they prepared to enter the promised land (Joshua 5:2). Circumcision was only effective if one kept the Law perfectly. No Jew, outside of our Lord, ever did that. They were thus lawbreakers, and their circumcision was made ineffective. Christians are now God’s circumcision (Philippians 3:3). Our circumcision is of the heart. “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God” (Romans 2:28-29).

Paul Simon sang “I Am a Rock” in August 1965. The lyrics portray someone wounded by friendship and determined to live totally alone like a rock that feels no pain. Many have experienced down times like that, but then, they realize they cannot live alone. Each man has four key relationships, beginning with God. We need to give our bodies to Him in sacrificial living (Romans 12:1-2). We will have all our needs provided if we seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Man’s ultimate purpose is to hold God in awe and do His will (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Christian brothers hold tightly to the good, showing proper affection for brothers, while giving them honor (Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:32). Stealing is given up when we submit to God. God’s children work with their hands so they may be able to supply others’ needs and stay on the lookout for such opportunities (Ephesians 4:28; Galatians 6:10). Those who have God as their Father also have a unique relationship with those who make them suffer (Romans 12:14; 2 Timothy 3:12). We all have enemies. One 93-year-old man said he had no enemies. When asked how he explained it, he said, “I outlived the rascals!” Christians should do their best to live peaceably with everyone, knowing God will take vengeance on those who deserve it because of their treatment of His people (Romans 12:17-21). Governmental authorities have not always treated God’s people well, but any power they have comes from the Almighty (Romans 13:1). Jesus

God speaks today through His Son (Hebrews 1:2). Jesus assumed authority after His resurrection when He brought about the beginning of a new age of God’s dealing with man (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:34-36; Colossians 2:14). The message is important as is seen in God sending His Son to deliver it to man. God made the worlds by Him and He will rule over the nations (Psalm 22:22-27). They will show their subjection to Christ and honor Him by worship. Jesus was God come down to earth. His glory was testified by the Father and the Holy Spirit at His baptism (Matthew 3:13-17). He shines forth with the glory that is the glory of the Father and is God’s “express image,” like the exact imprint of a seal in wax (Hebrews 1:3). Neil Lightfoot said “upholding all things by the word of His power” is a reference to Jesus’ responsibility for the “providential government” of the universe and His direction of its destiny. Jesus is also our Redeemer (John 3:16-17). Our old lives of sin are put away when we are baptized in the likeness of His death, burial and resurrection, which is the beginning of our new lives (Romans 6:3-4). Jesus “purged” or “cleansed” (NKJV margin) our sins. He did this by offering His own blood as a sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:11-14). He was sacrificed one time to take upon Himself the punishment that was due for the sins of mankind (Hebrews 9:28). The Savior told His disciples

All are sinners. Sin’s reward is eternal death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). God has provided for our salvation in His tender mercy. On the basis of that mercy, Paul begged his fellow Christians to give over every part of their being in service to God (Romans 12:1). The Christian’s body belongs to God, so it should be kept holy or pure, free from sin, for God’s work. Each should keep his or her body acceptable to God by doing His will (1 John 5:3). This is only reasonable since God purchased the body of the Christian with His Son’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Paul did not want the brethren at Rome to imitate or conform to the world and its practices. He instructed them to daily reshape their minds so that they might judge the worthiness of God’s way (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 4:16; 5:17; 1 Peter 1:14-15). Before they became Christians, they practiced the fulfilling of their passions and lusts. Now that they were members of Christ’s body, the apostle asked them to test the goodness of God’s high standards. Paul commanded the Roman Christians to not be proud, but to “think soberly” or develop a right-thinking estimate of themselves (Romans 12:3). The Lord said, “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Any gifts and abilities we possess were not self-made but God-given. The Father measured out the portion each should have. None has the right to say he or she

Exodus begins with, “And these are the names,” indicating Moses was continuing the story of Genesis. A list of the sons of Jacob who entered Egypt with their father, some seventy people not counting Joseph and his family, followed (Exodus 1:1-5). The population of the children of Israel grew rapidly, to the point that Moses could say the land was filled with them. A Pharaoh ascended to the throne who did not know Joseph. Fear of the rapidly multiplying Hebrews led him to deal craftily with them by placing them in slavery. The Hebrews continued to grow in numbers, despite the hard work (Exodus 1:6-14). Pharaoh told the two women in charge of the Hebrew midwives to kill all the boy babies at birth. They feared God more than any human authority, so they refused to be a part of such cruelty. When they did not follow Pharaoh’s instructions, the number of the people continued to grow. When questioned by Pharaoh, they explained that the Hebrew women were sturdier than the Egyptian women, and the children were born before midwives could even arrive on the scene. God blessed these women with homes and families, not because they lied to Pharaoh, but because they feared Him more than man (Exodus 1:15-21). The failure of his first two plans caused Pharaoh to tell all his Hebrew subjects to cast every male child into the river. Amram and Jochebed, of the tribe of Levi, had a baby boy. Their faith in God motivated

Members of the church in Laodicea did not see any need for God. They had wealth, good clothing and good medical care, especially for the eyes. We might say they had left home. The Lord saw them as spiritually destitute, but He would not force them to change. The Savior did not command but lovingly counseled them to buy from Him all their spiritual necessities (Revelation 3:14-22). They needed the riches of the knowledge of God to withstand being tested in difficult circumstances (Colossians 2:1-3; 1 Peter 1:7). They needed to put on the clothing of holiness, purified in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 1:5; 7:14). Their spiritual eyes needed to be opened to the stains of sin that needed to be cleansed from their lives (James 1:25). The Lord still loved them and only disciplined them because He desired to see them change (Hebrews 12:7-11). He wanted them to turn aside from their sinful uselessness so that He would not have to spew them out of His mouth. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). How shocking and sad it must have been for the Laodicean Christians to realize they had cast Him out of their hearts. He, nonetheless, stood and repeatedly knocked outside the door of each heart. He lovingly called to be let in so that he could “dine” with them. Had this church banished the Lord from his own Supper? The good news is that Jesus has overcome the tomb and is

The last thing most people think of when asked about Babel is success. A close examination, however, reveals three key principles of success in this otherwise sad story. The Lord observed, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language” (Genesis 11:6a). Jesus told the scribes, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:24-26). Paul urged the Philippian saints to fulfill his “joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2). He instructed members of the church of God at Corinth to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The Savior saw unity as a great first step in evangelism (John 17:20-23). The people at Babel were not all talk and planning, but they began to act (Genesis 11:6b). Luke summarized his Gospel record as an account “of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). The scattered Christians “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Paul instructed the churches of Galatia to seize every opportunity to do good (Galatians 6:10). Paul told Timothy to command rich Christians to “be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). The Lord said of the people at Babel, “Now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them,” underscoring the power of a vision (Genesis 11:6c). Paul’s single-minded goal of receiving the upward call from the Lord drove

God told Moses He wanted to send him to deliver His people. He responded, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” God took away the excuse by promising to be with him. Anyone is someone with Almighty God on his side (Exodus 3:9-12; Romans 8:31). Moses asked who he should say had sent him. God said to say, “I Am has sent me,” or the One who exists by His Own power (Exodus 3:13-14; Revelation 1:4)! Moses was to tell the Israelite elders that God had seen their suffering, would deliver them and take them to the promised land. Moses and the elders were to ask Pharaoh to let them go three days’ journey into the wilderness to worship their God. He foretold that Pharaoh would not let them go, even by a powerful hand. The Almighty would send them out with abundance as if Egypt had been plundered (Exodus 3:13-22; Genesis 15:14)! Moses said the people would not believe him. God gave him three miracles designed to convince the elders that he was God’s chosen messenger. His rod would become a serpent and turn back into a rod. His hand would be leprous and then whole again. Water from the river would turn to blood when poured out on the ground (Exodus 4:1-9). Moses next said he was not an eloquent public speaker, either before God began speaking or at that very moment. This excuse borders on

The Lord’s words regarding Caleb are remarkable. “But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and he has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it” (Numbers 14:24). They stand out all the more because they were spoken when the children of Israel were being told they would not see the Land of Promise. Caleb was set apart because he went against the crowd. Ten of the spies caused the hearts of the people to melt by reporting that the land devours the people who live there, and they had seen giants who made them feel like grasshoppers (Numbers 13:31-33). Caleb believed in God, announcing that they could overcome the land (Numbers 13:30; Joshua 14:8-9). Caleb remained faithful while others died, despite the fact that Joshua was God’s appointed leader. Everyone in his generation died in the wilderness, except for Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:20-23; Joshua 14:10). Others sinned against God by rebelling against the Almighty, but Caleb remained true. Caleb was rewarded because of his faithfulness. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said. And Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh

Luke’s opening remarks seem to indicate that he thought of Acts as a continuation of his previous account of the works and the words of our Lord. He wrote, “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). The church is, after all, the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). Paul’s persecution of the church thus resulted in the Lord asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). It might, then, be said that Acts gives its readers an overview of the workings of Jesus over the next thirty years following His resurrection. The book is certainly consistent with Jesus’ stated purpose for coming to earth. He told Zacchaeus, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). McGarvey explained his understanding of Luke’s purpose in the introduction to his original commentary on Acts. Much of the greater part of Acts may be resolved into a detailed history of cases of conversion, and of unsuccessful attempts at the conversion of sinners. If we extract from it all cases of this kind, with the facts and incidents preparatory to each and immediately consequent upon it, we will have exhausted almost the entire contents of the narrative. Anyone wishing to understand the Lord’s purpose in building His church needs to look no further than this great book. It gives a very clear picture of the actions carried out by the earliest disciples

A father is a man created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26; 2:7). God intended for him to be a man married to one woman for life. “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6, 9). A father is responsible for discipline (Hebrews 12:7-9; Colossians 3:21). Teaching his children is a crucial part of God’s design (Ephesians 6:4). He must also realize he is a trainer, which involves showing his children how it is to be done (Proverbs 22:6; 1 Corinthians 11:1). An important part of that training should be shown in loving his wife, the mother of his children (Colossians 3:19). God has given him the duty of providing for the needs of his family, but not their wants (1 Timothy 5:8). Love is one of several things a father should be given (Titus 2:4). It is also important to pay attention to his instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:1; Colossians 3:20). Fathers also deserve honor, as God instructed through Moses in Exodus 20:12 (Ephesians 6:2-3). Father is often described as the breadwinner or provider in the family, but he may also need to be provided for in his golden years. “But if

Desperate times call for a mother. Israel began doing evil again after the death of Ehud who helped them overthrow the Moabite oppressors. The Lord allowed Jabin, king of Canaan, to conquer them under the leadership of his general, Sisera. Israel cried out to God for deliverance (Judges 4:1-3). The inspired penman painted a desperate picture when he wrote, “The highways were deserted, And the travelers walked along the byways. Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel” (Judges 5:6b-7a). Sisera’s army covered a vast area and prospects seemed bleak, “Until I, Deborah, arose, Arose a mother in Israel” (Judges 4:13; 5:7b). Part of her power arose from the fact that she demonstrated faith. She was a prophetess who spoke for God. She was a judge who settled disputes the lower courts could not (Judges 4:4-5; Deuteronomy 17:8-9). Deborah was also a mother who was an encourager. She relayed God’s command for Barak to go fight the armies of Sisera. Barak hesitated, even saying he would not go unless she went with him. Deborah went with him, though she told him a woman would get the glory for the victory. “Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the Lord gone out before you?’” (Judges 4:6-14). “The Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army.” He killed Sisera by the hand of Jael and subdued Jabin, king of Canaan (Judges 4:15-24). She proclaimed

Memorials—like statues, tombstones and plaques—are used all over the world in honor of men, especially the dead. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial service. “And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me.’ Likewise, also the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you’” (Luke 22:19-20). Christ also said, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Corinthians 11:23-34, especially 26). So, every time a Christian partakes of the Lord’s Supper, he is partaking of a memorial feast. The Passover was a shadow of the Lord’s Supper. The Passover feast was eaten by the Israelites once a year to remind them of their release from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 11:1-8; 12:25-27, 46). Paul described the Lord by saying, “For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus’ sacrifice is the Christian’s means of release from the bondage of sin (Ephesians 1:7). Because He is our Passover, not one of His bones was broken (John 19:31-36). The memorial feast has two elements, the bread and the fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:23-25). The bread would have been unleavened since Jesus and the disciples had just finished the Passover meal (Exodus 12:15). In fact, we might notice that Matthew calls it “the

Jesus gave up being equal to God to come to earth to live as a man, living willingly as a slave (Philippians 2:6-7). Paul explained it in simple terms when he wrote, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus gave up Heaven for me, but I fear there are times that I have given up service to Christ to fulfill selfish desires. Sleeping in instead of attending Bible class would be an example of failure to imitate the selflessness of Christ. Another example would be participating in my hobby instead of knocking doors to extend an invitation to some spiritual gathering, or in lieu of attending myself, would be another example. Paul saw the importance of giving up the things that mattered to him in order to pursue the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:8-11). He was willing to suffer, even to the point of being killed, so that He could finish that all important race (Acts 20:22-24). He declared, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). I need to take to heart Paul’s plea to the saints at Rome. “I beseech you

Jesus called Satan “a murderer from the beginning” and the father of liars (John 8:44). He referred to the incident recorded in Genesis 3 when Satan deceived the woman. There are some important lessons for us in this tragic story. Satan focused on the prohibition instead of the provision (Genesis 3:1). He subtlety got her to focus on the only fruit in the garden she could not eat. Today, there are those who whine because of what they do not have. We need to focus on giving thanks instead (1 Thessalonians 5:18). After all, God has given us the greatest possible gift (2 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 8:32). Satan denied the reality of the curse of death (Genesis 3:4). The father of lies called God the Father a liar (Genesis 2:17). Some live today as if there were no death, much like the rich man in Jesus’ parable (Luke 12:16-21). Everyone needs to realize that even with the great advances in medicine, each has an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27). Satan denied God’s loving kindness by saying God denied man access to something good (Genesis 3:5). We need to recognize God is good and the source of every good gift (Psalm 136:1; James 1:17). God and His Word have been charged with being anti-woman when He actually made her the crowning act of creation (Genesis 2:22-23). The virtuous wife is praised, and husbands are commanded to love their wives in the strongest of terms (Proverbs 31:10; Ephesians 5:25-28). Satan said man

Jesus taught the multitudes from Peter’s boat. He then commanded him to “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter answered, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” The resulting catch was large enough to fill and almost sink two boats. There is a sense in which the Lord has told us to let down our nets in teaching. We need to begin with our own children in our own homes and in Bible classes. God told Israel: Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. (Deuteronomy 11:18-21) Christian fathers need to follow Paul’s directive. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Christ’s followers must make disciples of

The world emphasizes “my rights,” while Christians stress serving “one another.” The contrast between the two approaches is readily seen in Jesus’ response to a request made by James and John. They wanted to sit one on the right hand and the other on the left hand of Jesus when He was in His glory. The ten, having overheard the conversation, were very upset with the two sons of Zebedee. Jesus explained that greatness would not be based on exercising authority, but service. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:35-45). The Lord demonstrated such greatness by washing their feet on the night of His betrayal. He explained, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:12b-15). The first Christians went so far as selling possessions so the money could be used to provide for any fellow believer who had need (Acts 2:44-45). Paul commended Phoebe because of her service to the brethren (Romans 16:1-2). The Galatians were freed from the Law of Moses, but not to do wicked things. Instead, Paul said they should lovingly serve one another. Jesus

Jesus is the greatest leader ever to walk the earth. He demonstrated the characteristics that will help each of us lead others to a heavenly home. First, the Lord seeks the lost. The shepherds of Israel had failed to seek the Lord’s sheep (Ezekiel 34:6-10). The Lord said, “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day” (Ezekiel 34:11-12). Second, the Lord feeds His sheep. It does no good to find sheep and then let them starve to death. The Lord, unlike the shepherds of Israel, planned to feed the sheep in a good pasture (Ezekiel 34:2-3, 13-14). Third, the Lord gives His sheep rest (Ezekiel 34:15). He breaks the captor’s bands (Ezekiel 34:27). Fourth, the Lord helps the injured and sick, unlike the shepherds of Israel (Ezekiel 34:23-24). We need to strive to aid brethren who are spiritually hurting (Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20). Fifth, the Lord keeps His sheep safe. “I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods” (Ezekiel 34:25). Finally, the Lord lovingly leads His sheep (Ezekiel 34:28-31). David wrote of him, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He

Jesus set forth the only exception to God’s law for marriage when He included “except for sexual immorality.” The word Jesus used includes any sexual sin. God only intended such intimacy for the two companions within a marriage. Jesus was speaking to “Jews who knew nothing of a woman divorcing her husband” (Lenski, The Interpretation of Matthew’s Gospel 230). The rule applies to both men and women who divorce their spouses (Mark 10:12). [Mark was writing to non-Jews, and therefore, by inspiration, he made sure that his readers understood that our Lord’s teaching applied to both men and women. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor] Part of 1 Corinthians was written in response to questions. One question seems to have been, “Should a Christian, who is joined to Christ, separate from the union of marriage?” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). The Lord answered this, likely in the verses we have already examined. The general rule was that they should not even separate. “If she and her husband cannot live harmoniously together let her remain unmarried. She is not permitted to marry again. That would be adulterous” (Lipscomb, First Corinthians, Gospel Advocate 98). “The Christian woman who has separated from her husband, but found that she cannot live the single life and remain pure has only one path open to her. She is to be reconciled to the husband whom she has injured” (Lipscomb). Paul spoke regarding “the rest,” which seems to involve the marriage of a “believer and an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:12-13). Paul, as an inspired

Unity can only be achieved with a plan. God’s plan includes just one body, the ultimate symbol of unity. That one body is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). There is only one Holy Spirit to give members of the body life and peace through His message. Following that message will result in all followers of Christ having one hope, eternal life in Heaven with God. The hope of Heaven serves as an anchor during life’s storms and is the Christian’s means of remaining steadfast (Ephesians 4:4; Hebrews 6:19). Real unity is only achievable when all submit to one Master. The Master of the church is the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36; 10:36, 43; Romans 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22). The Savior’s life on earth points believers to God’s Word and His will (John 4:34; 6:38; 7:16; 7:25-29; 9:4). The entirety of God’s will comprises the sum of all that Christians believe and is the one faith. Actively following the singular faith will result in being added to the one body through being baptized with the Lord’s one baptism (Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Baptism in the name of Jesus, the one Lord, gives one remission of sins and begins the walk of a new life (Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The unifying “ones” come from the mind and active will of but one God, the great Creator Who is over all things. Nothing exists without Him, nor is anything outside of His authority. He rules in the entire universe, and

Marriage was designed by God to fulfill a basic need of man, companionship. The first five days of creation repeatedly have God observing his work and noting “it was good” (Genesis 1:9, 12, 18, 21, 25). The Almighty made man on the sixth day and noted, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18). The Creator brought every animal that He made to Adam to be named (Genesis 2:19-20). “The relation of man to the animals of the field would not fill this loneliness of man. Adam knew this from his naming of the animals” (William E. Woodson, Writings and Notes). God’s revealing to man of the special creation who was to serve as his companion for life brought forth a wonderful statement from the man. “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Moses’ inspired addition seems fully appropriate. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:23-24). Jesus’ most thorough teaching about marriage arose because of the Pharisees’ question, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (Matthew 19:3). The Lord thought the answer was implicit in Moses’ account of the creation of man and woman. “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male

Samuel’s two sons took bribes and perverted justice. The elders of Israel went to Samuel at Ramah, seizing on these sad circumstances, to ask for a king like the nations around them (1 Samuel 8:1-5). They could have asked for others to assume the role of judging them, or for God to work things in accordance with His will, but they did not. Anytime God’s people lust for something other than what God provides, sin is crouching at the door (James 1:13-14; Genesis 4:6-7). God knew Israel would desire a king. Moses wrote that a king had to be chosen by God from among the Israelites, no Gentile being allowed to sit on the throne. He could not accumulate horses, a harem or hoard up wealth because that would lead him astray. God’s law was to be central in his thinking so the king and his family could be blessed (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). Samuel did not find the people’s request agreeable, but he took it to God in prayer (1 Samuel 8:6). Any other act would have placed him in the same category as the children of Israel. Good leaders of God’s people recognize they serve under God. Their job is to watch for the wellbeing of the souls under their care (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17). Psalm 69:5-9 serves as an example of the prayer God’s leaders should pray. O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You. Let not those who wait